Microdermabrasion | The Path to Exfoliated, Renewed Skin

Microdermabrasion is a gentle and non-invasive method to revitalize the skin’s tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of skin suffering from sun damage, wrinkles, acne, and other related conditions.

What is Microdermabrasion? How Does It Work?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses fine crystals or a wand with a diamond tip to remove the top layer of skin. This process helps eliminate dead skin cells and speeds up cell turnover, making your skin look smoother and younger.

Microdermabrasion can treat various skin issues, such as fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne, age spots, and uneven skin tone and texture. micro-dermabrasion is typically performed by a licenced skincare professional, but kits are also available for personal use.

When the top layer of skin is removed, the body makes new skin cells to replace the old ones. This makes the skin look smoother, brighter, and younger. Additionally, the process can stimulate collagen production, which helps plump and firm the skin.

The procedure is usually done on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands, and it can be changed to fit the skin type and concerns of each person. Microabrasion is a treatment that doesn’t hurt and doesn’t require any downtime. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want to improve the look of their skin without the risks of more invasive procedures.

Microdermabrasion Treatment Types

Crystal and diamond are the two primary types of microdermabrasion treatments. Both techniques are intended to exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover but they use different materials and methods.

Crystal

Crystal microdermabrasion employs a handpiece emitting crystals to rub away the skin’s outermost layers. microabrasion with crystals is the original and most conventional method. A handheld device delivers fine crystals, such as aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, or sodium bicarbonate, to the skin. The crystals rub and remove the top layer of dead skin cells, while the device’s attached vacuum suctions them away.

Diamond

A newer and more advanced form of microabrasion, diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin. The diamond-coated abrasive tip of the wand is moved across the skin’s surface to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. A vacuum that removes dead skin cells and other debris is attached to the wand.

Both crystal and diamond microdermabrasion can improve skin texture and promote cell turnover, but those with sensitive skin or allergies to certain crystals may prefer diamond microdermabrasion. Also, diamond microderm abrasion may be more accurate and allow for more precise treatment of certain skin areas. The choice between the two types of micro-dermabrasion will depend on the individual’s skin type, concerns, and preferences.

Image source: Instagram @ncbrowsandskin

Microdermabrasion Benefits

Numerous benefits of microdermabrasion for the skin include:

  1. Enhances the texture of the skin: Microdermabrasion is capable of treating rough skin. The treatment’s microcrystals assist in removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, revealing smooth new tissue beneath.
  2. Eliminates scars: It can help damaged tissue heal by smoothing out the scar’s edges and surface and boosting collagen production to make healthy new skin cells.
  3. Reduces the appearance of pigmentation: It can help make age spots and other pigmentation problems less noticeable by making the skin’s tone more even.
  4. Non-invasive Procedure: this is a gentle, non-invasive beauty treatment that removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to make it look better. After the process, it doesn’t take much time to heal or numb the skin.
  5. Enhances fine lines: this can help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production, which may keep wrinkles from getting deeper.
  6. Brightens dull skin: Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of dead skin cells, exfoliating your face and revealing healthy new skin.
  7. Decrease age spots: Reduce the visibility of age spots and other skin discolourations with the help of micro-dermabrasion, and your skin will look younger and healthier.
  8. It’s good for most skin types: Since it doesn’t use chemicals or light, microdermasion is safe for all skin tones and even the most sensitive skin types.
  9. Congestion reduction: Micro dermabrasion is an excellent way to clear out clogged pores because it removes dead skin and oil, but it works best when combined with alpha hydroxy acids.
  10. Treatment with no pain: Micro dermabrasion is a way to improve your skin’s tone, texture, and clarity without the pain of other facial treatments.

Microdermabrasion Side Effects

  1. Dry, flaky skin and redness: Microdermabrasion usually leaves the skin pink to red.  It fades in a few hours like a mild sunburn. Redness can last a day or more if you have sensitive skin or get a more aggressive micro dermabrasion treatment to fix a skin issue. microabrasion often causes dryness or flakiness. It usually goes away in a week. Just add more moisturizer to your skincare routine. However, you’ll appreciate the reduced oiliness if you have very oily skin.
  2. Sun sensitivity: Like all deep exfoliating treatments, it can increase sun sensitivity. In the days after treatment, your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage and sunburn. 1 It’s not beach time! Wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily. This is a good skin habit regardless of microabrasion.
  3. Bruising: The microdermabrasion catheter’s vacuum effect can cause bruising, especially in thin-skinned areas around the eyes. Unless your technician is inexperienced, bruising is rare. However, thin or delicate skin and certain medications cause bruising. Some people naturally bruise more.
  4. Scratches: After treatment, your skin may have minor abrasions and blood pinpricks after aggressive treatment. Your technician may have a reason for extra skin work (in this case, it should be discussed before you ever sit down in the chair). Otherwise, it’s carelessness. Abrasions, like bruises, aren’t always avoidable, but many indicate an inexperienced technician.
  5. Canker Sores: Spicy foods, sun, and stress can cause cold sores. Microdermabrasion is another option. Lip microdermabrasion causes it. Avoid treating your lips if you get cold sores. If you want micro-dermabrasion to reduce mouth wrinkles, there are better options. Discuss cold sore prevention with your doctor before treatment.
Image source: Instagram @amberlynskin

How To Do Microdermabrasion At Home?

It is usually done by a professional in a clinic, but you can also buy devices that you can use for microdermabrasion at home.

  1. Choose the right tool: There are different types of microderm tools you can use at home. Some use crystals, others have diamond tips, and others use suction. Research a safe, effective, and suitable device for your skin type.
  2. Prepare your skin: Before using a micro dermabrasion device, you should clean your skin well and remove any oil or makeup. This will make sure that the thing works well.
  3. Start by turning it down: If you’ve never done this before, it’s best to start with a lower setting and work your way up. This will keep you from getting upset or hurt.
  4. Be gentle: When using a micro-dermabrasion device, it’s essential to be soft and not scrub too hard or apply too much pressure. This can hurt your skin and make it feel wrong.
  5. Follow up with skincare: After using a microderm device, it’s important to soothe and hydrate your skin with a good skincare routine. This could mean putting on a moisturiser, serum, or mask.

Microdermabrasion Gone Wrong Risks

This treatment isn’t likely to go wrong on healthy, firm skin with an excellent protective barrier. But people with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions can have problems.

  1. Sensitivity to contact
  2. Dermatological conditions
  3. Keloidal scarring
  4. Acne vulgaris
  5. Darker skin tones

Read More: Microdermabrasion Gone Wrong | Navigating Beauty Disasters

Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin care treatment that removes dead skin from the top layer of your skin to help with fine lines, ageing skin, and discolouration. A professional uses a vacuum to perform deep exfoliation. Like micro-dermabrasion, a chemical peel can help with fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and other skin problems close to the surface.

Microdermabrasion gently removes the epidermis by suction to reveal the new skin underneath, while a chemical peel removes the top layer of skin with a chemical solution. The newer skin below is reached with a chemical peel, which goes deeper than micro dermabrasion. As a result, the skin needs to be peeled over a few days. Most dermatologists offer more than one level of chemical peel to meet each client’s needs.

Read More | Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel: Battle For Brighter Skin

Microdermabrasion For Stretch Marks

Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched past what it can handle, tearing the dermis. Scars are lines on the skin that are discoloured, raised, or sunk. Even though micro-dermabrasion can improve the skin’s texture and tone, it won’t get deep enough to affect the collagen and elastin fibres that cause stretch marks.

Other beauty treatments, like laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling, may work better for treating stretch marks. These treatments work by getting your body to make more collagen and new, healthy skin cells. But it’s important to remember that no single treatment can eliminate stretch marks for good. Results can vary depending on the person’s skin type and how bad the stretch marks are.

Microdermabrasion For Acne

Microdermabrasion is a viable treatment option for mild to moderate acne. Exfoliating the epidermis, can help remove dead skin cells, open up clogged pores, and stop the skin from making too much oil. All of these things can lead to acne. It can also help improve the skin’s texture and tone, making acne scars and hyperpigmentation less noticeable.

However, Microderm may not be appropriate for severe acne or active breakouts. It is essential to talk to a professional in skin care to figure out the best treatment plan for your needs and skin type.

Read More | Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars: Restoring Natural Beauty

Microdermabrasion vs Dermaplaning

There are several significant distinctions between micro dermabrasion and dermaplaning.

Microdermabrasion:

  1. Utilizes a device to exfoliate the epidermis, typically with crystals, diamond tips, or suction.
  2. It can be used on various skin types and help improve the texture and tone of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
  3. Generally considered a mild treatment with minimal recovery time.
  4. Not effective against peach fuzz or vellus hair.

Dermaplaning:

  1. It is surgically removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair from the skin using a scalpel.
  2. It can be used on most skin types and helps to improve the skin’s texture and tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the absorption of skincare products.
  3. Generally considered a gentle treatment with minimal recovery time.
  4. Removes peach fuzz and vellus hair, resulting in a smoother and brighter complexion.
  5. Not recommended for individuals with active acne or skin infections.

Microdermabrasion After Care

Proper aftercare is essential to help the skin heal and maintain the results of micro dermabrasion. Here are some tips for post-treatment care:

  1. Avoid Sun Exposure: For several days after treatment, the treated skin may be more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Use an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen if you must be in the sun.
  2. Keep Skin Hydrated:  After microderm, your skin may feel dry and tight, so use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and drink water.
  3. Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid harsh or abrasive skincare products like scrubs for at least a week after treatment.
  4. Don’t Pick or Scratch: Picking, scratching, flaking, or peeling skin after treatment can cause irritation and slow healing.
  5. Stay Cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs for at least a day after treatment to avoid skin irritation.
  6. Limit Makeup Use: Allow the skin to breathe and heal for 24 hours after the treatment.
Image source: Instagram @ncbrowsandskin

Results

It is a gentle exfoliating procedure that can diminish the appearance of scars, lighten dark spots and age spots, and revitalize a dull complexion. In addition, they can effectively eliminate zits and blackheads and minimize the appearance of large pores. Microdermabrasion results depend on your problem type and how often you have it done.

How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?

Depending on where you live and receive treatment, the cost of microdermabrasion treatment can range from $75 to over $300. If you go to a fancy salon in an affluent area and choose the complete facial treatment, you can expect to pay more for microdermabrasion. If you opt for a basic microderm at your local salon, the price will be on the lower end of the spectrum. Shop around for the best deal. View cheap procedures sceptically, as the most expensive treatment isn’t necessarily the best.

Takeaway

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that has been shown to improve skin in many ways. Microderm, professionally or at home, can smooth out the skin, lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production. Although it is impossible to eliminate treatment-related risks, careful post-operative care can help.

FAQ’s

1. Is Microdermabrasion Safe?

Anyone can benefit from micro-dermabrasion because it is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Exfoliating crystals are extremely fine and won’t scratch your skin. As micro dermabrasion does not involve any sort of cutting or numbing, it leaves no room for infection or scarring.

2. Is Microdermabrasion Good For Acne?

It is a cosmetic treatment that can be helpful for people with mild acne. The exfoliation treatment lessens the look of white and blackheads, making the skin’s surface smoother. It can also help remove the shallow scars that acne can leave behind.

3. Is Microdermabrasion Worth It?

Whether or not microdermabrasion is worth it depends on individual preferences and skincare goals. It is an excellent way to improve the texture and tone of the skin, make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable, and make mild to moderate acne and acne scars look better. The treatment results may vary depending on skin type and severity of skin concerns, and achieving desired results may require multiple sessions.

4. Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?

It is painless. At worst, you could experience some minor discomfort. The process has been compared to a cat’s rough tongue lick. Some people say it feels like a gritty massage on the face, while others say it feels like a slight pulling on the skin.